To say the least...

A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, often sends me very interesting articles because his marketing job allows for him to search the internet for various things. It is often interesting to read some of the amazing things the internet can tell us about. For example, supposedly there is a group that has come up with a way to soon manufacture hoverboards, you know like those showcased in the movie "Back to the Future 2."

But there are also some other things which makes one wonder about the effects of the science we are imposing on our children? Does the scientism of our modern age affect you? Should we believe in science over our belief in Jesus Christ? Are they even at odds? These are all very interesting questions which can be discussed and should be among sincere Catholic Adults.

However, in the meantime, reports continue to come out about the effects of our modern way of life on our children. Take for example this article, which is linked here. I find this particularly scary, if this newsreport is credible. For me, I think the most interesting thing is that, beyond the evironmental consideration, there is a suggestion of children growing up fatherless being a factor in sexual maturity being expedited.

We must - especially as Catholics - begin to see the inherent dangers of allowing our children to grow up fatherless. We must support men who have fathered children to not be afraid nor to be domineering, but rather to love as Jesus Christ loved us. There are many problems with the modern understanding of Fatherhood, as are detailed in various books and articles both online and in print. It seems to me one of the most serious are the influences of the proponents of extreme Feminism, that is those who desire to see men subjected to the authority and power of women. This is certainly not a tenable Catholic position, just as men domineering their families is not either. The reason, it seems to me, is that it causes certain men to feel inadequate in the face of the challenge of becoming a father - hence causing women to be coerced into abortion, the abandoment of pregnant mothers, and the increase of sexual promiscuity which allows men to be irresponsible.

Men, in all of our weakness and strength, must be supported by society, by spouses, and by friends to take up the "cross" of love in the footsteps of Jesus. Each of us should feel the necessity to encourage men. I am often struck by the way some people, without even knowing it, discourage men or degrade them, because of the hurts or wounds of their own experience. We must recognize innocence in young boys and we must support those wounded men who are already struggling with their own sinfulness. And we men must come to recognize that we are sinners and have sins to which we must "man up to" and fight against.

The Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is that He shows us that nothing in this world can not be overcome, if not physically than at least interiorally. Our souls are invited to receive the Mercy and Healing of Jesus Christ - most especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We can do it, no matter what has wounded us and no matter what we struggle with. But each man and each woman must accept this gift of God's mercy, and live a life in response to it if our world is to ever change.